Ketchikan:No
Students Injured as Sprinkler System Saves School - The Ketchikan
Fire Department personnel responded to a report of "a fire
inside the pre-school and gymnasium" at Holy Name Catholic
School on Monday at 11:52 A.M. The school is located at 433 Jackson
St.. Ketchikan Fire Department personnel arrived within 3 minutes
of the call, confirmed a fire in a restroom, and the activation
of the school's fire sprinkler system said Chief Jim Hill.

According to information provided
by Hill, the first 9-1-1 report of the fire came from a teacher
at the school, moments later that call was followed by a call
from the company that monitors the school's sprinkler system
(Emergency-24). A third 9-1-1 call soon followed, also made by
a teacher at Holy Name. Teachers got all the children out of
the school very quickly, following the school's fire drill evacuation
plan.

Ketchikan personnel confirmed
the fire was in a restroom and that the sprinkler system had
extinguished the fire said Hill. After making sure the fire had
been extinguished, fire personnel shut down the sprinkler system
and started salvage operations and water cleanup. Smoke and fire
damage was limited to the bathroom where the fire originated
with some water cleanup in a classroom, hallway and gymnasium.
Fire damage and water cleanup are estimated at $10,000 to the
school with an estimated value of $2,000,000 said Hill. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Fish Factor: Catch
share loan program held up in bottom of the bureaucratic in-
box By LAINE WELCH - Alaska's halibut and sablefish fisheries
include a built in, low interest federal loan opportunity to
help new entrants buy shares of the fish. The loans are funded
by a fee of up to 3% of the dockside value of the catch. Seventy-five
percent of the total goes to recover management and enforcement
costs; 25% supports the loan program. Fishermen are eligible
for 80% of the purchase price of quota shares, paid back for
up to 25 years at a low interest rate, currently 6.5%.

The catch share plan for Bering Sea crab was designed the same
way. But five years later, loans to buy crab poundage aren't
even on the books.

What's the hold up? Being near
the bottom of the bureaucratic in- box in distant Washington,
D.C.

"The rulemaking, unfortunately,
has taken considerably longer than we had initially thought,"
said Leo Erwin, Chief of Financial Services at NOAA Fisheries
headquarters. "We had the proposed rule, it's been drafted,
and it has been in the clearance process for some time. We believe
we are pretty close to getting the rule actually published."

Senator Lisa Murkowski is credited
with obtaining $16 million for Alaska's combined catch share
loan programs, and the loan authority for crab is there. But
before any cash can be cut loose, it has to go through the long
federal law making process before it is official.

"They will have to come
out with a proposed rule, take comments from the public, go through
the rule making, take more comments," said fisheries aide
Arne Fuglvog. "I mean, the money is there to do it and we
would really like to see these loans coming out this year."

Jim Stone, a life-long Bering
Sea crabber, said he is frustrated by the federal foot dragging,
and it has prevented crew from buying crab poundage. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Alaska: Governor
Makes Nominations for North Pacific Fishery Management Council
- Governor Sean Parnell forwarded his nominations of Duncan Fields
of Kodiak and James Hubbard of Seward for consideration by the
U.S. Secretary of Commerce for seats on the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council (NPFMC). The governor also forwarded Sam Cotten
of Eagle River and Matt Moir of Kodiak as alternate nominees.

"I have confidence that
these nominees will serve with the best interest of Alaska's
resources, coastal communities and Alaskans at heart," said
Governor Parnell. "Continuing our tradition of sound fisheries
management is essential to protecting Alaska jobs and families
who rely on these resources."

The North Pacific Fishery Management
Council is one of eight regional councils established by the
1976 Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, later
renamed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act, to oversee management of the nation's marine fisheries.
The council has jurisdiction over 900,000 square miles of ocean
from three to 200 miles off Alaska's shores, and the primary
responsibility for managing pollock, cod, halibut, sole and other
groundfish. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

A new survey of 1,001 adult
residents of the United States found that 70 percent believe
that the federal government is either "very secretive"
or "somewhat secretive." The largest portion of respondents,
44 percent, said it is "very secretive."

That matches the worst rating
the federal government received during the final year of George
W. Bush's presidency.

The poll is part of a five-year
series of studies into public attitudes toward government openness
commissioned by The American Society of News Editors. It was
conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University.
The latest survey is being released Sunday, the beginning of
National Sunshine Week. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

National: Scores
sue over zinc in denture adhesives By RICHARD MARTIN - In
the wake of news reports that the zinc found in many denture
adhesives could lead to neurological problems, hundreds of denture
wearers have been calling lawyers, hoping to join the growing
number of suits filed against the makers of Super Poligrip and
Fixodent.

One Houston firm representing
15 plaintiffs in denture adhesive suits has received about 150
inquiries.

But instead of calling a lawyer,
worried denture wearers should be calling their doctor first,
neurologists say. That's because the symptoms many are reporting
-- numbness and tingling in the legs and arms -- are more likely
to be caused by problems such as diabetes, kidney or liver disorders
or vitamin deficiencies than by excess zinc. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Columns - Commentary

DAVE
KIFFER:Planning
For The Next Big Thing - With all of our eyes shifted north
to see who crosses the Iditarod finish
line first (I bet it will be a dog), it's time to harness up
the old entrepreneurial spirit sled and come up with some ideas
for other funtastic events to boost our great state.

For example, our Vancouver
friends are still basking in the afterglow (or maybe it's just
that the fourth leg of the Olympic torch has finally come on)
of their Olympics. But what have they got happening now and in
the immediate future? The upcoming Stanley Park Magic Mushroom
Frolic just isn't going to cut it.

With the Iditarod already underway,
we need to be looking ahead. We need to be planning for the next
big thing.

I'm never afraid to borrow
something (the line about the dog being first in the Iditarod
was stolen from the Right Honorable Rev. George Pasley), so first
up, kudos to the Anchorage Daily News for first promoting of
the idea of an "Iquitarod" in honor of the former governor
when she decided to "spend more time with her family"
last summer. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Don't
Sell KPU Telecom By Mike Harpold - Saying that the KPU Telecommunications
Division is losing profitability, the city wants to sell it.
But voters need to ask if selling the utility is truly in the
best interests of city residents. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Ensuring
Accurate Tribal Counts In 2010 Census By Norman Arriola &
Lee Wallace - Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) and Organized
Village of Saxman (OVS) are proud partners with the 2010 Census.
The 2010 Census will provide us with a snapshot of our nation
and tribal communities. By being counted, tribal citizens will
help paint a clearer picture of Alaska Native peoples. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Stolen
Tongass Tribe Lands, 202 By Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff
Jr. - We are the lineal descendants of the Taan ta Kwaan means
Sealion People or known as Tongass Tribe a traditional and historical
Alaskan Native Tribe in Ketchikan indisputably recognized by
all Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian tribes in Southeast Alaska.
My Clan, Gaanax adi Clan is the oldest Clan in the Tlingit Nation,
with that said, Ketchikan is the aboriginal territory of the
Gaanax adi Clan that is Tongass Tribe. We still claim all the
low tide lands starting from Tatsuda's to the Tunnel. Tongass
Tribe also owned unoccupied village sites on Tongass Island,
Long Island, Village Island, Cat Island, Duke Island, Annette
Island, Portland Channel, Nakat Bay, Cape Chacon, Pennock Island,
Gravina Island, Prince of Wales Island, and Kasaan. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Sealaska
Land Bill By Jean Bland - I attended the meeting in Craig;
Sealaska's Attorney said to quit hiding behind these letters
and call them, they welcome calls and will answer your questions,
the land will still be open for public use, if you read the paperwork
they handed out. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Sealaska
Land Swap bills By Roger DiPaolo - As a resident of Edna
Bay, one of the 3 communities most affected by this bill, the
major reason that these bills are bad is that the lives of the
residents of our 3 towns were not adequately taken into consideration.
We residents of these towns are not hostile to Sealaska nor our
native neighbors, we wish to see them live and prosper equally
beside us. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Big
thank you to Sitnews By Sandy Powers - I just want to thank
Sitnews for their lack of bias in running articles and letters
which present various points of view, THANK YOU! Also for running
a lot of user generated content, pictures, classified ads, etc.
It is very encouraging that, while the local printed newspaper's
content shows a marked bias, yours does not. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

THE
OLD FOLKS AND THE CORPORATION By Lois Morgan - There was
once an old woman who had spent her whole life in the Great Forest.
She was the daughter of a lumberman on the most southern edge
of the Great Forest, she grew up benefiting from the beauty and
purity of the nature around her and learned at an early age that
the nature beings were much kinder then most humans; counting
on the creatures of nature to soothe her when a human had abused
her. She grew up wanting to go to Alaska, at the far north of
the Great Forest, where there were alleged to be fewer humans
as well as more pristine nature. When she met a man who wanted
to go with her, she abandoned her studies and left with him on
their grand adventure. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Energize
with Nuclear Power By Donald A. Moskowitz - Oil is a diminishing
and expensive source of energy, and coal is dirty. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

The
Need to Stop S. B. 881 By Eric Muench - The people of Southeast
Alaska need to know what is in Senate Bill 881, sponsored by
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Nick Begich, and the subject of a
meeting Saturday, March 13 at the Borough Assembly Chambers.
So far much of it appears to be unknown to most people. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Sealaska
Bill listening sessions on POW By Bob Claus - The Sealaska
Bill listening sessions on POW proved the bill is controversial
and splits our communities. But they did not serve the stated
purpose of letting affected communities be heard. Nor do the
way they were handled give residents confidence that their statements
will be accurately conveyed to the Senate Energy and Natural
Resources Committee. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S881
Sealaska Lands Bill: Port Protection & Point Baker By
Judy Magnuson - Port Protection and Point Baker residents deserved
the common courtesy of notification that their meeting was canceled.
Residents of both communities kept calling to ask - has it been
canceled? And the answer was always the same- no word yet. Finally,
with no notification to the contrary and needing a half hour
to travel from Point Baker across the open Bay to Port Protection,
and not wanting to miss the only opportunity to be heard we have
had , people came. We were never notified by Mr. Kleeshulte that
he was not coming until 5 minutes AFTER the time the meeting
was to start. Even though he must have known in advance of that
he would not make it. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S.881
Impact: Town Hall Meeting Canceled in Edna Bay By Myla Poelstra
- The community of Edna Bay is deeply disappointed that Chuck
Kleeschulte has unilaterally canceled a meeting in Edna Bay scheduled
for 1:00 pm Wednesday. Had he consulted with us first we could
have told him the timing of the meeting was ill conceived and
dangerous. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S.881/HR.2099
- SEALASKA LAND GRAB LEGISLATION THE WRONG ANSWER FOR SOUTHEAST
ALASKA By Myla Poelstra - S.881/HR.2099, two highly
questionable pieces of legislation that are quickly becoming
stark examples of the wrong approach being taken to resolve an
issue that cannot possibly be defended by its sponsors as equitable.
The responsibilities being avoided or ignored by our representatives
only add to the perception that something is wrong with this
process. The recent ethics violations by Senator Kookesh during
his lobbying on behalf of Sealaska Corp., in which he is Chairman
of the Board, bring into focus the tip of an iceberg many now
believe exposes unconscionable support for a contentious proposal
that will only represent the interests of its proponents. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

DXM
By Lela Raymond - I would like to say how thankful I am to
the Ketchikan school board, police chief Ed Talik, Kyle Johanson,
Dave Scott and the Ketchikan Daily News for really getting the
issue of DXM out there. I missed getting tapped in to the school
districts mailing to get this thank you out to all the parents
for the support that I have received which has been overwhelming
and more than I expected. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Indoor
Ice Rink By Patrick Branco - Thank you Linda. Families can
skate together, boys and girls can learn figure skating, boys
and girls and men and women can play hockey. And on the heels
of the olympics we could try a curling club here. (that wasn't
a joke, by the way). I love the idea of an ice rink for family
fun. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

The
cup half full By Ivy Rose - With the days seeming to fly
by and caos of our everyday life we all fall short of looking
at the cup half full. I remember not to long ago writing a letter
on sitnews about customer service and being positive, and it
got me thinking. Customer service is more than just serving people,
and being nice, but what how we react day to day. It is a proven
fact that people remeber and hold on to negative experiences
more than the positive ones. How easy it is to let the zen of
goodness be zapped by something as silly as someone not letting
us out in traffic when we are in a hurry. Then we feel that the
whole world needs to know of the wrong doing. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Re:
Wake Up Parents By Bethany Phippen - So the debate continues.
First and foremost I have totally given up the talk about the
older children who ditch their coats. There is only so much that
can be done when it comes to the kids who can actually speak
for themselves leaving their coats when they are told to put
one on. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S
881 meeting set for Ketchikan By Johnnie Laird - I want to
take this opportunity to thank those that sent in emails to Sen
Murkowski asking her to set a meeting about this legislation
in Ketchikan. It has been set for Saturday, March 13th at 12
noon at the borough chambers.

I want to make a few statements
about this legislation. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Why
are S 881 meetings being rushed through? By Alan Stein -
The Sealaska's Bill S 881 should die immediately in committee
in Congress. Two weeks ago, I warned the Senate Staffer, Chuck
Kleeschulte, who is conducting the S 881 dog and pony shows in
Alaska, how dangerous travel conditions are on Prince of Wales
this time of year. In a stampede to get this bill through Congress,
Chuck Kleeshulte did the opposite. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Landless
By Charles J. Jackson Jr. - As part of the landless and relatives,
when is Sealaska going to help-out the landless people of Southeast?
-
More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Sealaska
S 881 observation By Michael Lee Beasley - Arm in arm and
toe-to-toe, Sealaska tribal member shareholders are united in
their quest to secure acreage owed for for a debt unpaid on behalf
of the Federal Government and the People of the United States,
since 1971. Nearly 4 decades or 40 years have not satisfied this
debt totally. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

South
Tongass Hiway Ferry Terminal By Rob Holston - Back in 2007
Saxman missed an opportunity. Perhaps this is their second and
last chance to take advantage of their strategic location. The
measure failed at that time because the Saxman political leadership
took the position that the waterfront property could never be
replaced once it is sold. I think they can have their cake and
eat it to. The Saxman community should sell the land necessary
(Seaport A or B) for the new terminal for 100% of commercially
appraised value with the following conditions: - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Ketchikan
Wellness Coalition: Letter to the community By Karen Eakes
- In July of 2006, the United Way of Southeast Alaska sponsored
the United Way Compass II Community-Building Assessment in Ketchikan.
The McDowell group completed this assessment with 300 randomly
selected phone interviews, ten focus group discussions with different
segments of the community and individual interviews with community
citizens and leaders. The comprehensive report on the results
was released in January of 2007 and copies were distributed to
our governmental bodies and throughout the community. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Ward
Cove By Rob Holston - As I enter my 11th year of trying to
purchase or long-term lease waterfront property in Ward Cove,
perhaps this information, gleaned from a news article by Dave
Kifer will help folks understand the history behind the present
circumstances in Ward Cove: - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Annual
immigration cost By Al Johnson - Do you wonder as you watch
the various newscast reporting Tea Party frustrations, what it
is that has these usual normal non-activist citizens on the streets
and in front of public buildings or at Town Hall meetings? Lord,
there are so many encroachments by Government into the lives
of private citizens to the extent the collective weight test
the patience and patriotism of each. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Good
Samaritan By Will Roberts - Dear Good Samaritan, the words
"thank you" aren't enough to describe the gratitude
that I feel when I think about what you did for me Tuesday in
line at Wal-Mart. I've been thinking about what you did ever
since and am proud to have met you. Love for one another is rare
these days, especially between strangers. You are the proof that
"love thy neighbor" isn't a pointless phrase these
days. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Uncle
Al By Jay Jones - I heard with my own ears The "Honorable"
Senator Kookesh threaten, bribe the Craig/Sitka City Council.
He received a slap on the wrist and has to write a letter of
apology to the Craig Council for use of a poor choice of words
which implied he would use his senatorial power to block funding
for capital improvement projects for the City of Craig. Since
the ethics findings Kookesh has already denied intent and claims
his statements were "misconstrued". - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

RE:
WAKE UP PARENTS By Julie Steiner - Okay! Sounds like we have
some controversy along the "kids and coats" subject.
Lori Headley is right: You can't force your kids to wear something
they don't want to wear! You can try, however, you can also give
them consequences when they disobey! But they will just leave
and then take it back off! It's a battle your gonna fight until
they are 18! - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

GOLDEN
PARACHUTES & BIRDS THAT CANNOT FLY By David G. Hanger
- Mr. Jarvi keeps referring to these bills (plural) that I have
not paid and I must confess you have one on me, because I am
not familiar with any unpaid bills. I duly noted back in July
I was late paying a bill, but that has nothing whatsoever to
do with your allegations that I am not paying my bills. Where
did you get that from? You have been carping so loudly about
all these unpaid bills of mine, I invite you simply to provide
the venders' names, the amounts of the bills, and copies of all
of these invoices you keep saying I have not paid. Put up or
shut up. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Thank
yous to others By Judith Green - You know it is just nice
to finally see that our community can and will and does put on
sitnews.com the positiveS about our town and peoples and organizations.
- More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Good
Things Happen in Ketchikan By Charles Edwardson - WHAT does
lumpia and the Cape Fox Dancers have in common? Nothing but the
KAYHI girls' basketball team. So often I write this publication
to complain or find fault in our elected officials. Today I want
to change the tone. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Customer
Service By Scott R. Davis - In 1989 I popped a hole in my
fuel tank. While the details of that particular incident aren't
important, what happened after that is. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Re:
Wake Up Parents By Bethany Phippen - I just finished reading
Lori Headley's letter responding to Spring McCurry's statement.
I don't know if you have children, but I don't know of one single
Pediatrician who is going to have ANY child with a fever outside
in just a diaper. Yes, my kids are 4 and 7, and I have to argue
with them occasionally about wearing their coats outside to go
play. I can understand where high school students don't wear
coats, but having an infant outside in a diaper there is no excuse
for. If a child has a dangerously high fever you alternate tylenol
and ibuprophen every 4 hours, you run them a cool bath, not so
cold that they go into shock. If you know of ANY doctor that
is recommending a child go outside in 40 even 50 degree weather
to get them over a fever, they need to be turned in for malpractice.
That is just asking for pnemonia. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Indoor
Sports Facility By Jeff Carson - You may have noticed a petition
going around town that asks for your support in urging the Borough
to help a local group remodel the veneer building into an indoor
turf field facility. This letter is to answer the questions that
have come about because of this petition. First of all, the plan
is to install a 250' by 100' sport turf field that would run
from the south wall of the building 250 feet to the north. Currently
in Ketchikan there are 2,241 kids who participate in Little League
baseball, youth softball, youth soccer, wrestling, dribblers
league, gymnastics, Kayhi baseball, softball & soccer &
youth football. All of these kids would benefit from this facility,
especially in the Winter months. That doesn't include adult soccer,
baseball & softball leagues that could benefit from a field
like this. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Congressional
Reform Act of 2010 By A.M. (Al) Johnson - The following caught
my attention while studied current events surrounding the arrogance
of our Congress in addressing many important issues of the day
relating directly to our well being. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Brief
Letter of Thanks By Jeff Hendrickson - This brief letter
is just to say thanks to Kris W. I too am tired of reading the
"childish bantor" and business bashing that happens
regularly by Mr. Hanger. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

KPU
Telecommunications: Why Sell? By Karl Amylon, On Behalf of
the Ketchikan City Council - On April 6th 2010, a special election
will ask voters to vote 'Yes' or 'No', regarding authorizing
the City to negotiate a sale of the KPU Telecommunications Division.
The Ketchikan City Council recommends a 'Yes' vote. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

S
881: A BAD HISTORY FOR A BAD BILL By Alan Stein - If S 881
passes out of a US Senate committee next month, Southeast Alaska
and the nation will be worse off. Here is an untold story behind
the legislation.

Back in 1977, Sealaska got
Congress to change ANCSA, then six years old. The amendment required
Governor Hammond to consent to the transfer of 76,600 acres in
Yakutat, and others in Saxman. Also removed from were Sealaska
lands around Angoon. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re:
Wake up parents By Lori Headley - In defense of the parent
outside with the toddler in the diaper, perhaps this mother was
advised to do so by the family doctor because the toddler was
having dangerously high fevers that were throwing the child into
seizures even after having the kiddie cocktail. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

More
pressing issues By Kris Williams - Mr. Hanger is very quick
and obviously a very educated man, and with that being said what
he lacks is some common sense. In a town the size of Ketchikan
a public bashing of another business or another resident is just
uncouth. Voicing your opinion about a personal experience with
a product or service is one thing, and I've had issues with my
phone line not working for the last six months and can't get
a repair man; but bad mouthing other tax preparers, or for that
matter another citizen, well that's just not classy. I've lived
here my whole life and people here have more respect, and values
than Mr. Hanger has shown on this discussion forum. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re:
The real issue By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger, you are a real
piece of work. Nothing you said in your response of 2-25 is true.
I don't think you are a lowlife, I just think you should pay
your bills. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Sealaska
Land Bill: Single Interest Proposal By Sandy Powers - The
opening paragraph of Mr. McNeil's letter clearly sets the tone
for the Sealaska/ congressional delegation's attitude toward
the rest of us who do NOT stand to benefit from Sealaska land
bill S881. To state, "The Tongass National Forest is a Native
Place" clearly implies that those of us who are non-natives
do not belong here, should not have a say, and our opinions are
dismissible. As far as this land bill "enabl(ing) the government
to complete the contract that it made with Sealaska and other
Alaska Natives when it enacted ANCSA in 1971", one of the
biggest issues is that the public lands they are now trying to
take WERE NOT a part of the "contract"! These are public
lands we have, as individuals, communities, and taxpayers to
the federal government poured years and money into roading and
managing, and built our very livelihoods around. Surprise! These
value-added, roaded, multiple-use, highly used public areas are
now the very areas they want to grab. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska
Bill S-881 By Judy Magnuson - While trying to maintain the
image of environmental responsibility Mr. McNeil ignores the
facts that 71% of Sealaskas enterprise areas on North Prince
of Wales Island and Kosciusko are on Karst, currently protected
by the Federal Cave Resource Protection Act. This Act which directs
Federal land managers to secure, protect and preserve significant
caves on Federal land for the perpetual use, enjoyment and benefit
of all people. To protect the caves one must also protect the
karst system as a whole. The conveyance of karst to a private
entity so that they may destroy it violates the FCRPA. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

The
real issue By David G. Hanger - People whose stock in trade
is porcelain and glass should not be throwing stones, Paul Jarvi.
Your presentation reminds me of those Pipster cons of about five
years ago, those who knew it was a fraud and were gaming it for
their own profit, thus used a variety of diversionary tactics
to try to distract others from the fact that the whole thing
was just a massive half-billion dollar Ponzi scam. OK, we now
understand clearly you believe that anyone who gets behind on
their bills for even five minutes, whatever the reason, is a
lowlife. I rather imagine there are now a bunch of lowlifes out
there who won't be doing business any time soon with you, either.
- More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Competition
is good By Marilyn Catron - I would like to commend Mr. Hanger
for standing up for himself after receiving such "Bad Person"
services from a KPU employee. Most people would just complain
about it for a little while and just let them get away with what
they did even if friends prod them to do something about it.
That is why people who abuse their positions continue to get
away with treating people so badly. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Wearable
Arts Show By Kathy Flora - Thank you Kathleen Light, Ann
Froeschle, and Anita Maxwell for another exceptional, and seamless
production of Ketchikan's Wearable Arts Show. Thank you backstage
managers, front of the house, and Cape Fox staff. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Kayhi's
Art Honor Society By Bobbie McCreary - Thank you for sharing
the story of the Art Honor Society decorating for the Schoenbar
Dance. This is the most awesome way of mentoring younger students
coming behind the high school students and showing them and their
teachers and their parents and families what time well spent
with energy and talent can produce! - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Preserve
Bell Island!! By Carrie Lawrenson - I have lived in Alaska
all my life. I was born in Fairbanks and lived in southeast all
of my life. My family always had an airplane, and I have some
of the best memories flying in to Bell Island Hot Springs. After
beach combing or just lake hopping, we would stop at Bell Island
so I could swim. Some of the time mom and dad would join me,
but it was just the best treat a kid could have. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

RE:
Wake up parents By Charlanen Thomas - While I tend to agree
with you regarding smaller children not being dressed appropriately,
I still find the need to point something out. I have four children,
all of which never wear their coats. Yes, I buy coats for my
children every year, sometimes more than one. Yes, I make sure
they have them on when they head to school. Yes, I remind then
constanly to put on their coats. However, once they leave my
sight, the coats come off and go straight into the backpacks!
I can't even count how many times I've been told, "Mom I
left my coat in the car", or "Mom I left my coat at
school" (three hours after school is closed). - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Response
to "Wake up parents" By J. Smith - In response
to your letter about the teens in this town not wearing a jacket...
Have you ever tried to "make" a teenager wear something???
- More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska
land bill: Time to work together By Chris E. McNeil, Jr.
- The Tongass National Forest is a Native Place. Southeast Natives
gave up claims to over 17 million acres of land for approximately
375,000 acres. From less than one-half of one percent of all
lands conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(ANCSA), Sealaska has shared over $300 million dollars with other
Alaska Natives under Section 7(i) revenue sharing. The Sealaska
land legislation S. 881 and H.R. 2099, currently before the U.S.
Congress, enables the government to complete the contract that
it made with Sealaska and other Alaska Natives when it enacted
ANCSA in 1971. - More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Where's
Lisa? By Bob Claus - In October, 2009, I had the opportunity
to testify in front of the US Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands
and Forests about Senate Bill 881, the Sealaska land transfer
bill. Senators Murkowski and Begich were there, as were other
members of the committee. This makes me the only person from
Prince of Wales Island to have had an opportunity to speak directly
to the decision makers in an official setting. This is not fair
to those who wish to express their own opinions about this legislation.
- More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Crossing
Guards By Tracy Mettler - If you believe that the downtown
crossing guards should should wear a uniform, or at the very
least, have a dress code this season (and seasons to come...)
please follow the link below to the Mayor and Council pages and
let your elected representatives know. - More...
Monday PM - February 23, 2010

Drug
testing By Kay Taylor - I agree with the opinion letter by
Jose Garcia. Since drinking and boating is not allowed by Coast
Guard directive, why doesn't the city require drug testing for
new hires and applicants as well as current employees? They are
on duty in the harbor and are responsible for our safety. Why
they are exempt and the operators of boats are not flies in the
face of discrimination. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

An
Open Letter to Senator Bingaman: Sealaska Land Grab By Myla
Poelstra - Can you hear the growing chorus of voices sounding
the alarm throughout all of Southeast Alaska? One by one over
the last few days, city after city within the Alexander Archipelago,
and nearly every town in between, have come forward with formal
resolutions of opposition or requests for formal congressional
hearings. What would make so many different and diverse communities
cry out for justice and fair consideration? Something really
wrong is happening in Southeast Alaska. That something is
a bill known locally as the "Sealaska Land Grab". S.881
­ Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act
has been wrapped in a well designed package that looks and sounds
very good, but what's inside is greed and total disregard for
everyone but themselves. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Open
Letter to Senator Lisa Murkowski: Sealaska Land Grab Bill
By Myla Poelstra - We read your latest news release this morning
in the Juneau Empire, "Public Hearings in Southeast region
to begin in early March". Everyone is once again disappointed
by what appears to be stubborn indifference to formally addressing
our concerns. We have been writing letters since 2003 when you
introduced S.1466 - The Land Transfer Acceleration Act. Sealaska
had already made their out - of - withdrawal area selections
on N. Prince of Wales at that time. Over seven years and several
different attempts at legislation, and they have never really
adjusted their proposed selections. You have left us to feel
there has been an extensive effort of stonewalling against the
legitimate concerns of the people living in these areas. Evidently
we do not have the deep pockets that it must take to gain your
support. If this letter sounds angry and cynical, its supposed
to. Your deliberate remarks designed for deflection are easily
picked up on. People living remote are not as intellectually
challenged as you might think. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Request
for information By Lauren Stevens - My name is Lauren Stevens.
I am a fourth grade student at Evansville Day School. I am doing
a state report on Alaska. The reason why I wanted to do Alaska
is because I wanted to learn as much as I can about the animals
because I want to be a vet. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

KPU
SALE ADVERTISING BUDGET By Pete Ellis - Further to Edwardson's
commentary on the approved budget for the KPU Sale Election referendum
did not the City Council action really result in a budget that
should be divided equally between those in favor and those opposed?
- More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Sealaska
Landless Communities By Vernon Grant - In my last letter
for public interest, on November 16th 2009, I had voiced my personal
opinion about how Sealaska has not addressed the landless issues
of the 5 communities, that were left out of the original ANCSA
of 1970's. But have you noticed the Sealaska website headlines:
"Haa Aaní Legislation" you would think that
what they were speaking about is the final act of the ANCSA to
finalize the whole bill as promised! - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thank
You Ketchikan & Metlakatla By Blanche Dilleshaw - I would
like to give a huge heartfelt thank you to the family and friends
for the seafood fundraiser held in Metlakatla. Ý A lot
of work went into it.Ý I heard the food was awesome!!Ý
I do wish I could have been there. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thomas
Jefferson By A.M.Johnson - From all reflections of current
community, National and local awareness, it seems the history
of the greatness of America from its founding days is not taught
in a manner that is retained by students of public education.
- More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Are
the Ports & Harbors exempted from drug test for applicants
as Ports Security Officers? By Jose S. Garcia - In my recent
stint as Port Security Officer for the year 2008, the interview
and CPR/First Aid Training was done in conjunction to what protocol
has agenda'd. Nevertheless, there were no drug tests applied
or even mandated to by the hiring personnel of the Ports and
Harbors having to note that these hired personnel reflects being
a model ports officer in the City of Ketchikan. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Kayhi's
National Art's Honor Society By Frankie Urquhart - I want
to acknowledge the wonderful students who are a part of Ketchikan
High School's National Art's Honor Society. These students, led
by Jeanette Sweetman, did an amazing job decorating the Schoenbar
Valentine's Dance last Friday. This group of students worked
for hours after school everyday and put in 20+ hours building
pieces of art for the dance. They crafted a very impressive Eiffel
Tour that became the center piece for our dance. They also built
a heart shaped frame that students were able to stand in front
of to take pictures with their friends, and a few other wonderful
banners. These students did all of this on their own time, and
the day of the dance actually came and set up for 4 hours before
the dance. -
More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Bell
Island Hot Springs By Kara Steele - I was just on Facebook,
and one of our classmates has discovered a horrible end that
no one expected at Bell Island. If anyone remembers this precious
site, the hot springs pool and cabins were all the rave! Now,
the pool has been left unattended for who knows how long, critters
and moss have taken over the inside, the boardwalks to everything
are falling down, the cabins are gone, and apparently the lodge
has had a major cave in with the roof some years ago. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

RE:
KPU By Barbara Dupea - The last time I checked there aren't
many businesses in this world that give service away for free,
including First City Tax. I suspect that's why Mr. Hanger has
remained in business for as long as he has. Just pay your bills
on time, seems pretty simple to me. -
More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Create
and Keep Jobs in U.S. By Donald A. Moskowitz - President
Obama is promoting a new $300 billion economic stimulus program.
When he took office in January 2009 he said the $787 billion
stimulus program will CREATE 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010
and unemployment will remain below 8.0%. Unemployment is hovering
around 10.0%, and the jobs promised by Obama might hit 1.5 million
by the end of 2010, but during the last 13 months we lost 5 million
jobs. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Wake
up parents! By Spring McCurry - I don't understand what I
have been seeing this winter or any winter for that matter. On
my way into work I see high school students walking to school
with NO jacket! I see middle and elementary aged students waiting
at the bus stop or walking to school with NO jacket! It's raining
and windy out, but these kids don't have a jacket on. Why is
that? As I drive through town I notice the kids that are walking
with their parents, parents have a jacket on, but not the kids.
- More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Doggie
Dems By Kara Steele - I almost fell outta my seat reading
this one! LOL Good job on the letter! Yes I must admit, I believe
my dog too, is a Democrat....she sleeps all the time, eats, I
feed her, bathe her, take her to the doctor....all she has to
do, is be here when I get home! - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

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